Suffolk Constabulary confirmed it had received at least one report of drones being used by burglars to “case” properties.

The drones are highly-manoeuvrable and – depending on the model – can carry advanced, high definition cameras which can capture video and still images.

It is feared that because the technology allows thieves to explore properties from the air they will be used to identify security weak spots, such as older-style patio or French doors which can be easily forced.

Because of their abilities to get close-in to potential targets, drones are thought to present an even greater threat than websites such as Google’s Street Viewand Google Earth services, which have previously been accused of assisting thieves with satellite and kerb-side images of properties.

Larger homes with substantial grounds may be the most likely target for thieves using drones.

Piloting them over perimeter walls will allow criminals to carry out low-risk reconnaissance around homes which cannot be seen from the public road.

Paul Ford, secretary of the Police Federation National Detectives Forum, said: “Drones can be noisy and very visible so hopefully criminals risk giving themselves away.

“If members of the public observe drones being used in areas which make them suspicious they should contact police using the 101 non-emergency number to report it.

“We must remain alive to the potential risks posed by the misuse of technology, but at the end of the day this is a reminder to householders to make sure their homes are secure, and to consider any extra security measures they may need such as a burglar alarm.”

The Suffolk force confirmed it had investigated an incident where a drone was “used to identify a property for a burglary”.

A report by the University of Birmingham Policy Commission warned last October that drones – or “remotely piloted aircraft” (RPA) - presented a range of opportunities for criminals.

“As a small number of cases have demonstrated, RPA present a potentially new and useful tool to those of criminal, including terrorist, intent,” it said.

“They are the ideal lookouts for burglars, train robbers, and poachers.

“Fast, cheap, available micro RPA, in particular, are difficult to defend against, given their ability to fly past and over obstacles to find their target.

“Traditional thinking with regard to the defence of buildings, for example, has concentrated on perimeter defence and entry point control. RPA offer the prospect that these defences might simply be bypassed.”

It reflects a growing trend in the United States where a criminal outfit dubbed the Tub Gang has used drones across New York and New Jersey to identify burglary targets.

Digital footage on one drone recovered by police included stills of properties in Manhattan as well as commercial properties.

A Civil Aviation Authority spokesman said "Drones are subject to aviation rules and regulations and anyone breaching those rules can be prosecuted."